A remembrance service for families and loved ones who have lost a baby or a young child is being organised in Middlesbrough.
The Christmas service of remembrance is for anyone who at any point in their life, has sadly been affected by the death of a baby or a young child.
Organised by the chaplaincy team at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the event will help those attending remember and reflect those who have died.
There will also be an opportunity for those who are grieving from the loss of their baby or young child to have their names read out during the service.
Hospital chaplain reverend Lisa Opala said: “This Christmas time, we are inviting families to gather to make memories and share the spirit and joy of the season.
For those who have lost a baby or a child our Christmas service of remembrance will offer families an opportunity to come together and to remember the life of their little one, no matter how brief or short that was.”
As in previous years, there will be refreshments available for anyone attending, funded by Our Hospitals Charity, the fundraising arm of South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Families can also light a candle in memory of their loved ones and the Odell Singers from Redcar will be leading the singing of carols during the service.
Lisa Meehan, fundraising manager for Our Hospitals Charity, said: “We are delighted to support this special service once again this year. It is a beautiful way of remembering the babies and children who have sadly passed away too soon.
“It is always heartfelt to see the event being attended by so many families who have been cared for at our hospitals.